Through the financial support from Women Fist’s COVID-19 Emergency Fund, SOFERES was able to Develop and disseminate COVID-19 prevention messages through local radio (Yetu Community Radio), megaphones and WhatsApp groups encouraging refugee communities to observe social distancing and to stay home and inside the camp.

The organization has also distributed awareness raising flyers and posters in two main local languages (Swahili and Chichewa) to spread correct information on how COVID-19 is transmitted and how to protect from it. Awareness raising flyers and posters in two main local languages (Swahili and Chichewa) were printed and distributed to different refugee communities and others were displayed on the walls at different strategic locations of Dzaleka Refugee camp.

Distribution of food parcels and hygiene kits in dzaleka refugee camp.

SOFERES also procured and distributed food parcels, hygiene equipment and supplies to refugees at high risk including single mothers, women with many children, and women with disabilities and older people to help them get through the Coronavirus epidemic. The hygiene kits comprised hand washing buckets, liquid soaps, reusable face masks, bottles of hand Sanitizer. So far, more than 10,000 families have been served during the project period.

This has not only helped to minimize the risks of contracting COVID-19 and slow the spread of the virus in Dzaleka refugee Camp, but also enabled the beneficiaries to put food on the table for their families while their doors were temporarily shut and they were also able to keep each other safe with wearing masks and washing hands frequently.

During distribution, the beneficiaries were all extremely appreciative of the donation given to them. According to Mme. Marie, a widow (aged 63 years) from DRC quoted “I say this with such joy in my heart that your food groceries has saved our lives during this critical time. Thanks a lot”.

In order to ensure safety of its staff, SOFERES also provided Personal protective equipment comprising of reusable face masks, pairs of gloves, T-Shirts and caps.